Rabbitohs NRL squad for Gadhu Gathering in Indigenous Round 24 against Eels

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are pleased to announce their squad for the first ever Gadhu Gathering in Indigenous Round 24 against the Parramatta Eels this Saturday 16 August at 7:35pm at Allianz Stadium on Bidjigal land in South Sydney territory.

Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named Shaquai Mitchell on the bench to replace Lachlan Hubner who is currently in the 11-day return-to-play protocols from a head knock suffered on Sunday against the Gold Coast Titans.

Gadhu Gathering, held during the second week of the NRL’s Indigenous Round, will see six Sydney-based clubs come together at Allianz Stadium on Bidjigal land in a special three-day festival celebrating Rugby League and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture. The word ‘gadhu’ refers to a large body of water such as the ocean in Dharawal, the overarching language spoken by the Aboriginal people belonging to Coastal Sydney. Gadhu Gathering symbolises the gathering or coming together of communities to celebrate a shared passion for rugby league and culture.

A huge line up of Indigenous sporting greats, musical talent and grassroots Rugby League participants will headline the pre-game, half time and post-match entertainment at the Rabbitohs’ Indigenous Round in night two of 2025 Gadhu Gathering at Allianz Stadium.

Two of the biggest names in Australian sport will headline the Indigenous sporting greats appearing at the Rabbitohs vs Eels game, with 400-metre Olympic Gold Medallist from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and former Australian of the Year, proud Kuku Yalanji and Birra Gubba woman, Cathy Freeman OAM, ringing the Rabbitohs’ Legacy Bell as the teams enter the arena.

Leading the Rabbitohs out onto the field for the first half will be one of the greatest Aboriginal Rugby League players of all time and South Sydney Rabbitohs premiership winner, proud Dunghutti man, Greg Inglis, who will also select the winner of the Eric Simms Medal, which is presented to the player-of-the-match at full time of the match by Eric’s daughter and Worimi woman, Chelsea, and son and Worimi man, Nathan.

The Eric Simms Medal is named after one of Rugby League’s greatest players, and a true South Sydney legend, proud Worimi man, Eric Simms. Mr Simms played in six Grand Finals for South Sydney between 1965 and 1971, winning four Premierships in 1967, 1968, 1970 and 1971, being named the man-of-the-match in the 1968 Grand Final. The goalkicking fullback played 206 first grade games for South Sydney, scoring 23 tries, 802 goals and 87 field goals for a total of 1841 points, a Club record at the time which stood for 46 years.

The musical entertainment will be headlined by First Nations supergroup, 3%, with the ARIA award-winning trio performing some of their biggest tracks as part of the pre-game entertainment, including their newest release, Our Greats.

The night’s Welcome to Country will be presented by Bidjigal Elder, Aunty Barb Simms. The Glen for Men and Women will also take to the field for cultural dance performances, as well as Didgeridoo performances from Muruwari/Yuwaalarray man Mat Doyle, Muruwari/Yuwalaraay man Glenn Doyle, Murruwa man Josh Sly, Wiradjuri man Joe Horoa, Gamilarraay/Mandandanji/Wiradjuri/Awabakal man Nathan Leslie and Ngemba man Theo Clarke, including a rendition of Glory, Glory to South Sydney at run-out. Our MC for the evening will be acclaimed Australian actor and presenter on stage and screen, Wiradjuri/Ngunnawal man Luke Carroll.

At half time, the future stars of Rugby League will play on the Allianz Stadium turf as Mini League teams from La Perouse United, Redfern All Blacks and Deadly Choices play on the big stage. Proud Tubba Gah and Wiradjuri woman, Millie Mills, will also perform at half time.

Members and supporters will also be able to celebrate culture and community at a vibrant festival of Indigenous-owned and operated stalls outside of Allianz Stadium near Driver Avenue. Discover unique art, fashion, and more and support local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses— all made with heart and connection to Country.

The Rabbitohs will be wearing their 2025 Indigenous jersey in this match. The 2025 Rabbitohs Indigenous jersey is a powerful design that celebrates the strength, resilience and enduring fire of First Nations people.

The jersey has been designed by proud Wahlabul man, Uncle Joe Walker, and his daughter, proud Wahlabul and Dunghutti woman, Destinee Walker, and represents smoke and fire. Smoke represents cleansing and starting fresh, whilst fire represents the strength of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people that is passed down through the generations.

Woven into the design is the fire, a symbol of pride and resilience passed down through generations. It reflects the flame that fuels not only our performance on the field, but the important work we do off the field through Souths Cares. Rising from this fire is the smoke, representing healing, unity and a fresh start.

The jersey also features the totems of the 11 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander players in the Rabbitohs full-time squad including:

Each silhouette connects to their individual totem, acknowledging the deep cultural identity and responsibility each player carries. Together, the imagery tells a story of connection, pride and shared purpose - standing strong, proud and united in the red and green.

Tickets for the Rabbitohs vs Eels match are available here.

Three-day passes to the Gadhu Gathering are available here.

The 2025 Rabbitohs Indigenous merchandise range is available for purchase by clicking here.

The Gadhu Gathering is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The match day partner for the Rabbitohs vs Eels game is Deadly Choices – a Deadly Choice is a healthy choice.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs’ squad for Saturday’s clash with the Eels is:

1- Jye Gray
2- Alex Johnston
3- Latrell Mitchell (c)
4- Isaiah Tass
5- Bayleigh Bentley-Hape
6- Ashton Ward
7- Jamie Humphreys
8- Siliva Havili
9- Peter Mamouzelos
10- Sean Keppie
11- Jacob Host
12- Tallis Duncan
13- Jai Arrow

Interchange:
14- Shaquai Mitchell
15- Liam Le Blanc
16- Brandon Smith
17- Thomas Fletcher
18- Tyrone Munro
19- Lewis Dodd
20- Salesi Ataata
21- Haizyn Mellars
22- Cody Walker

Coach – Wayne Bennett